Write a 5 paragraph essay that explains how George tries to take responsibility for taking care of Lennie but fails.
I know I need to come up with a thesis statement first, but I am not sure how to do so with this kind of prompt.
I'm taking a wild chance here, but how does this thesis sound?
Thesis: George attempts to take responsibility for taking care of Lennie by looking out for Lennie whenever he was on the verge of trouble but fails when Lennie kills Curely's wife.
That's a restatement of the "prompt" or assignment. How and why does George fail? Or does he, finally, fail at all? Let me ask if George's final act is actually to protect Lennie in a final and permanent way?
Your thesis statement is a good start, as it addresses George's attempts to take care of Lennie and introduces the central idea of his failure. To further develop your thesis and construct a well-rounded essay, let's break down the essay into five paragraphs:
1. Introduction:
Begin by introducing the characters and their relationship. Explain the dynamic between George and Lennie, highlighting George's role as a caregiver. Provide context about their dream of owning a farm and how this dream shapes George's actions. Finally, present your thesis statement.
2. First supporting paragraph:
In this paragraph, discuss George's constant vigilance and efforts to keep Lennie out of trouble. Provide examples from the novel where George takes responsibility for Lennie's well-being, such as the incident in Weed where Lennie grabbed a girl's dress, or when George takes Lennie away from town to hide after they run into trouble. Highlight George's caretaking role and his genuine concern for Lennie's safety.
3. Second supporting paragraph:
Shift the focus to the instances where George's efforts to protect Lennie are unsuccessful. Analyze the scene where Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, examining how George's failure to control Lennie leads to dire consequences. Discuss George's frustration and regret, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes on him as he realizes his inability to prevent the tragedy.
4. Third supporting paragraph:
Explore the limitations and challenges George faces in caring for Lennie. Discuss Lennie's strength and mental limitations, which make him difficult to control. Address George's internal conflict of wanting to fulfill their dream while also realizing that taking care of Lennie is increasingly difficult. Examine moments of tension in their relationship, such as George constantly reminding Lennie about the trouble he gets into and the burden it places on George.
5. Conclusion:
Summarize the main points presented in the essay and reinforce the idea of George's ultimately failed attempts to care for Lennie. Reflect on the significance of George's actions and his sacrifices for Lennie, despite the outcome. Conclude by highlighting the tragic irony of his efforts and how it speaks to the larger themes of friendship, responsibility, and the challenges of caring for those who are different.
Remember to support your claims and analysis with evidence and quotes from the novel. This structure should help you develop a comprehensive essay that addresses the prompt and provides a strong argument.